John Boyd Thacher State Park
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Park Overview:
John Boyd Thacher State Park is situated along the Helderberg Escarpment, one of the richest fossil-bearing formations in the world. These deposits have been called the key to North American geology.
Park Description:
John Boyd Thacher State Park
Even as it safeguards six miles of limestone cliff-face, rock-strewn slopes, woodland and open fields, the park provides a marvelous panorama of the Hudson-Mohawk Valleys and the Adirondack and Green Mountains. Thacher State Park has volleyball courts, playgrounds, ballfields and numerous picnic areas with nine reservable shelters. Interpretive programs are offered year-round. From the top of the escarpment, which reaches 1,300 feet in elevation, there are fine views of the Hudson and Mohawk Valleys as well as spectacular panoramas of the Adirondacks and Green Mountains of Vermont.
The history of the park area dates back to the late 1570s when the trail now known as the Indian Ladder Trail was used by the Mohawk Iroquois Indians to reach the trading post run by Henry Hudson. It was here that in 1777, at a spot known as Tory Cave, Jacob Salsbury found refuge from settlers during the Burgoyne Invasion.
The park is open year round, 8:00am until sunset. Seasonal parking fees are charged. There are several pavilions with toilet facilities which can be rented for private parties.
Nearby, Thompson's Lake State Park and Emma Treadwell Thatcher Nature Center provide additional opportunities for recreation.
Use Web Map link on this site for trail map. Click here for a trail map of the north section of the park.
Trails Overview:
The Long Path (aqua) traverses the park for its entire length from south to north and reaches its current end-to-ender point in the park. A northern route from a parking area on Beaver Dam Road takes it 1 mile into the main park facility, where it can be used to access the Paint Mine-Hop Field Trail System. This system begins on the opposite side of the road from the Indian Ladder Trail and is available all year round. About 10 miles of trails with red, blue, yellow, white and the Long Path's aqua blazes provide options for many loop hikes. Combinations can be long, short, level or fairly steep. Continuing north, the Open Space Institute's Helderberg acquisitions have enabled the extension of the Long Path to a parking area on Old Stage Road and allowed legal public access to High Point Lookout along the way.
The famous and historic Indian Ladder Trail (0.5 mile, unblazed) is open only from May 1 to November 15, weather permitting. There are benches, bridges and stairs where needed. Guided tours are available. When it is open, Long Path hikers can divert along its fascinating, fossil viewing route.
A self guided Nature Trail connects other sections of the trail system where the walker can see many interesting geologic features, including caves, waterfalls, old farms and foundations, and a dynamite shack.
Park Acreage:
2155.00 acresMunicipality:
VoorheesvilleJohn Boyd Thacher State Park is situated along the Helderberg Escarpment, one of the richest fossil-bearing formations in the world. These deposits have been called the key to North American geology.
John Boyd Thacher State Park
Even as it safeguards six miles of limestone cliff-face, rock-strewn slopes, woodland and open fields, the park provides a marvelous panorama of the Hudson-Mohawk Valleys and the Adirondack and Green Mountains. Thacher State Park has volleyball courts, playgrounds, ballfields and numerous picnic areas with nine reservable shelters. Interpretive programs...
Park Acreage:
2155.00 acresMunicipality:
VoorheesvilleContact Information
Web Link:
John Boyd Thacher State ParkPhone:
(518) 872-1237Fees:
Yes, click on 'Contact Information' for further informationDogs in park:
Dogs on leash
Hike Checklist:
Whether you are going for a day hike or backpacking overnight, it is good practice to carry what we call The Hiking Essentials. These essentials will help you enjoy your outing more and will provide basic safety gear if needed. There may also be more essentials, depending on the season and your needs.
The Essentials
Hiking Shoes or Boots
Water - Two quarts per person is recommended in every season. Keep in mind that fluid loss is heightened in winter as well as summer. Don't put yourself in the position of having to end your hike early because you have run out of water.
Map - Know where you are and where you are going. Many of our hiking areas feature interconnecting network of trails. Use a waterproof/tear-resistant Tyvek Trail Conference map if available or enclose your map in a Ziplock plastic bag. If you have a mobile device, download Avenza’s free PDF Maps app and grab some GPS-enhanced Trail Conference maps (a backup Tyvek or paper version of the map is good to have just in case your batteries die or you don't have service). Check out some map-reading basics here.
Food - Snacks/lunch will keep you going as you burn energy walking or climbing. Nuts, seeds, and chocolate are favorites on the trail.
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Rain Gear and Extra Clothing - Rain happens. So does cold. Be prepared for changing weather. Avoid cotton--it traps water against your skin and is slow to dry. If you are wearing wet cotton and must return to your starting point, you risk getting chills that may lead to a dangerous hypothermia. Choose synthetic shirts, sweaters and/or vests and dress in layers for easy on and off.
Compass - A simple compass is all you need to orient you and your map to magnetic north.
Light - A flashlight or small, lightweight headlamp will be welcome gear if you find yourself still on the trail when darkness falls. Check the batteries before you start out and have extras in your pack.
First Aid Kit - Keep it simple, compact, and weatherproof. Know how to use the basic components.
Firestarter and Matches - In an emergency, you may need to keep yourself or someone else warm until help arrives. A firestarter (this could be as simple as leftover birthday candles that are kept inside a waterproof container) and matches (again, make sure to keep them in a waterproof container) could save a life.
Knife or Multi-tool - You may need to cut a piece of moleskin to put over a blister, repair a piece of broken equipment, or solve some other unexpected problem.
Emergency Numbers - Know the emergency numbers for the area you're going to and realize that in many locations--especially mountainous ones, your phone will not get reception.
Common Sense - Pay attention to your environment, your energy, and the condition of your companions. Has the weather turned rainy? Is daylight fading? Did you drink all your water? Did your companion fail to bring rain gear? Are you getting tired? Keep in mind that until you turn around you are (typically) only half-way to completing your hike--you must still get back to where you started from! (Exceptions are loop hikes.)
Check the weather forecast before you head out. Know the rules and regulations of the area.
The Leave No Trace Seven Principles
Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
- Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
- Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
- Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
- Repackage food to minimize waste.
- Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
- Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
- Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
- In popular areas:
- Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
- Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
- Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
- In pristine areas:
- Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
- Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
- Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter.
- Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
- Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
- To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
- Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
- Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
- Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
- Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
- Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
- Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
- Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
- Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
- Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
- Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
- Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
- Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
- Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
- Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
- Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
- Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
- Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
- Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
The Trail Conference is a 2015 Leave No Trace partner.
(c) Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.
Directions to Trailhead
Public TransportationDirections to Trailhead :
The park's main parking areas are on Route 157, off Rte. 85, 15 miles southwest of Albany.
Indian Ladder Trail parking -- GPS Coordinates: 42.656302, -74.017870
TRAIN TRANSPORT :
Not availableBUS TRANSPORT :
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The Indian Ladder Trail at John Boyd Thacher is probably the best hike you can do that's within an hour of Albany.
While it is short, It has a lot going on, especially with the newly built environmental center. There are a lot of fossils and displays that explain what you're seeing and it is definitely recommended that you go in before you hike the trail (Or just hike it twice. Or do whatever HYOH).
The trail itself is awesome, going down the stairs and arriving underneath the cliff feels like your in the jungle, or a bad ripoff of Jurassic Park. Either way that's my favorite thing about this hike. There is no reason something this awesome should be so close to Albany, NY. It is amazing.
As you progress along the trail, make sure to look up at the caves and ledges in the rocks. I have imagined climbing up to them a thousand times (But I don't because I don't have a deathwish). There are also some caves closer to the ground that you can explore, just bring a headlamp. Finally as you walk on the trail you'll see two places where water emerges from the cliff face, you can read about the natural filtration process at the environmental center. Then, last but not least, you see Minelot Falls. If you are here to see the waterfall, come after a rain in late spring. Mid to late Summer it can be almost bone-dry, but It is kind of impressive walking behind it when it's pouring water. Look for salamanders on the rock wall when it's wet or just continue onwards. Watch your head on the last section as it does get to be pretty tight.
At the top, explore the trail along the cliff and look for peregrine falcons and other birds that nest on the cliff.
Last thing: Make sure the trail is open when you go. The last time I went it was closed due to some loose rocks falling on people, and it is closed from the end of October until May. This vastly impacts your experience at the park, though there are other trails to explore here (Including the Long Path!)